Menomonie News Net

Mar 18, 2026, Vol 2, Issue 18

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Local News Group
March 18, 2026

Welcome to Menomonie News Net Vol 2, Issue 18. You can read and search for archived issues and articles HERE.

Highlights of today’s issue: LWV Mayor Candidate Forum, Boys Basketball Update by Layne, and April 9 free event with Kody Green, motivational speaker & MadLee Band.

As always we appreciate your financial support moving forward. Donate online HERE OR by mail - check to MNN, PO Box 63, Menomonie.

Editorial Team: Layne Pitt, Becky Kneer, Marsha Biggs; MNN Contributors; Advisory Team Volunteers; Tech Support: Tracy Glenz

Submit story ideas to: [email protected]

In this Issue...

Menomonie Mayoral Candidate Forum Thursday March 19

‘League’ hosts event at Rassbach Museum

What do the candidates for Menomonie mayor think about issues facing our community?

Meet Candidates for Menomonie Mayor, Randy Knaack and Matthew Crowe on Thursday, March 19, 5:00 - 6:30pm at Holtby Hall, Rassbach Museum, 1820 John Russell Road (adjacent to Wakanda Park).

Guest moderator will be Afton Greco, Director of the Menard Center for the Study of Institutions and Innovation at UW-Stout.

Candidates will be presented with questions developed by LWV-GCV (League of Women Voters-Greater Chippewa Valley) as well as questions submitted by attendees at the event. Both mayoral candidates have committed to participate.

Candidate forums are at the heart of the League mission and are excellent opportunities for voters to meet the candidates and participate in our democracy.

If you can't attend in person, the forum will be live streamed thanks to Steve Hanson at Eye on Dunn County.

Source: Submitted article LWV-GCV  

Music in March Recital Features Classical Music, Local Musicians

The Menomonie Art Music Society presents its spring recital ‘Music in March’ on Sat, March 21, 2pm at Our Savior’s Lutheran, 910 9th St. Free will donations accepted.

Source: News Release

March Snowstorm & Winds Cause Disruptions

Snowstorm and high winds that followed disrupted events, travel, and more in our area. Image: Nat’l Weather Service.

Dunn County Manager Highlights March 18 Board Meeting

The Dunn County Board of Supervisors will meet Wednesday, March 18 at 7 pm at the Dunn County Government Center.

Each month, Dunn County Manager Dan Dunbar shares a video message highlighting the items that will be discussed and voted on at the meeting.

Click to review the agenda and meeting documents for the March 18 County Board meeting.

Menomonie Bus Ridership Soars

DC Transit Director Speaks at Bookstore’s Environmental Series

By Ann Vogl

MENOMONIE – Ridership of the city bus route rose by 29 percent last year, according to the head of Dunn County Transit.

The community route’s use hit 20,660 riders in 2025, said Austin Witt, Dunn County Facilities, Parks and Transit Director, during a presentation on Thursday, March 12, at Dragon Tale Books in downtown Menomonie. For 2024, ridership was 16,012.

“Increased visibility, improved real-time information, and reliable service contributed to higher rider confidence and increased usage throughout the year,” Witt said. “These combined efforts resulted in significant ridership gains.”

Submitted photo

Dunn County Transit also offers routes for UW-Stout and door-to-door stops. Ridership increased in each of those areas as well. A pilot program for rural service also was offered in 2025.

Witt also explained the various buses, routes, fees, and tracking app at the presentation. It was the first in the bookstore’s spring Environmental Series, in which local government and sustainability leaders speak about various topics.

The next presentation in the series features Steve Betchkal, an ornithologist, ecologist and author, who will speak about the importance of green spaces in cities. It will be held Tuesday, March 24, at 6 p.m. at the bookstore.

Anna DeMers of Tamarack Wetland Services in Rice Lake will discuss the benefits of native plantings at the third presentation in the series on Thursday, March 26, at 6 p.m.

More Dunn County Transit Info:

  • View a video of Witt’s full presentation HERE 

  • Dunn County Transit 2025 Annual Executive Summary HERE  

  • Maps and schedules of the bus routes HERE

  • Track the bus locations live at dunnride.com/routes or by using the TransLoc app

Ann Vogl is the owner of Dragon Tale Books, downtown Menomonie.

MTG Presents Fiddler on the Roof May 1-10

Evening performances at 7:30pm: May 1, 2, 8, 9

Matinee performances at 2pm: May 2, 3, 9, 10

Performances are at the Mabel Tainter Theater.

Tickets: available online at menomonietheaterguild.org or at the MTG Box Office, 502 2nd St, Menomonie. (Open Mondays and Wednesdays 11:30am - 3:30pm) Closed March 18 for spring break.

Trout in the Classroom

Dunn County 4-H teams up with local groups to provide unique experience for 5th graders

Students conducting water quality tests during a Trout in the Classroom experience in Courtney Budden’s class at Knapp Elementary School. Submitted photo.

Zachary Rozmiarek, Dunn County 4-H Educator partnered with Knapp Elementary 5th grade teacher, Courtney Budden, Trout Unlimited, and the DNR to provide a program called Trout in the Classroom. This program provided an opportunity for students to care for trout eggs and fingerlings in their own classroom.

Fourteen students participated. They were given 250 trout eggs from the DNR to care for as they hatched and became fry. Trout Unlimited provided the equipment for the project, a tank with a stand, a chiller, filter, and aerator. The students helped choose the trout lessons from which they learned about trout habitat, water quality, and ecology. They also conducted the water quality tests themselves.

Trout in the Classroom was a positive experience for the students accord to Rozmiarek. He shared that one of the goals was to inspire the children to learn more about our environment by sparking an interest in fish and wildlife. “We hope to continue this partnership with the Knapp Elementary School, Trout Unlimited and the DNR for years to come,” he said.

If you live in Dunn County and don’t want to miss out on future 4-H activities, join Dunn County 4-H today by calling Zachary Rozmiarek at 715-232-1636.

To see more of our activities, visit the Dunn County 4-H Facebook page.

Source: Submitted information

Motivational Speaker & Mental Health Advocate at Free April 9 Event

RSVP now for an evening featuring speaker Kody Green with music by MadLee Band

The community is invited to a FREE event ahead of May Mental Health Month. Kody Green, motivational speaker & mental health advocate will be featured. Music provided by MadLee Band. Event brought to the community with support from Community Foundation of Dunn County and Health Dunn Right (Health Coalition).

Free event but please RSVP HERE by Apr 6.

League Members Assist Students on Path Toward Civic Involvement

MHS Seniors become registered voters

By Judy Foust, MNN Contributor

On March 11, a team of four LWV-GCV (League of Women Voters – Greater Chippewa Valley) members spent lunch time at Menomonie High School with students who were eighteen years old or older and wished to become registered voters.

They officially registered 23 new voters! In addition, 51 students began the registration process. Since some students didn’t have their driver’s licenses with them, they took paper copies of the form home to complete and return to the County Clerk.

This was an excellent number of new and interested voters!

League members were impressed by the students’ enthusiasm, the sincere desire to fulfill their responsibility as citizens of the United States, and the respect they had for the process.

Credit goes to the fact that at MHS Civics is a required class for all juniors.

Civics teacher Angela Smith noted, “Menomonie High School Civics courses, required for all students, prepare them to have an understanding of our local, state, and federal government and encourage students to have an active role in our democracy. We are grateful that MHS students had the opportunity to register to become voters right at school and that the community continues to invest time into our upcoming graduates.”

The League hopes to make this an annual tradition at MHS and surrounding area high schools.

More information at LWV-GCV.

Judy Foust is retired middle school teacher, a member of LWV-GCV and regularly assists in voter registration.

Live Comedy Talk Show to be Filmed in Menomonie

Tickets on sale now for ‘Live Here Now,’ a locally produced comedy show for and about the Chippewa Valley

MENOMONIE – A Midwest comedy talk show featuring local comedy, hometown guests, and musical acts is set to film at the historic Mabel Tainter Theater in Menomonie in early April. Produced by local live events company Vision Space LLC.

Live Here Now is a talk show celebrating the people, stories, and spirit of the Chippewa Valley and the upper Midwest. Hosted by Andy Spencer of Eau Claire, the show blends smart comedy, genuine conversation, and live music in front of an in-person audience. In a world driven by algorithms and distraction, Live Here Now is intentionally rooted in real community—featuring guests with deep local ties, hometown heroes, and performances that reflect what makes Wisconsin uniquely funny, creative, and connected.

The slate of guests includes EC City Council member Emily Berge, former Ringling Bros. Clown College instructor Steve Russell of Menomonie, and Emmy Award-winning local filmmakers BJ Hollars and Steve Dayton. Musical acts include the Tommy Bentz Band, Aly Dyg, and others.

The show will film in front of a live audience at the Mabel Tainter Theater in Menomonie on April 4, 7, and 10, with shows starting at 8 p.m.

Tickets are available HERE. All proceeds from the three shows will go to support local nonprofits.

“When I moved here with my wife five years ago, I had no clue we’d meet so many amazing musicians, comedians, actors, and artists,” said Spencer, originally from western North Carolina. “After working with the Eau Claire Filmmakers group and performing regularly at local comedy club Oh Claire Improv, I saw a path to creating a comedy talk show for a local audience. As soulless AI and fast content continue to flood our lives, I think people are increasingly finding joy and connection in local entertainment. We’ll be here waiting with a hot bowl of funny, just the way you like it.”

Shows will also be livestreamed for free at www.liveherenow.show/shows. Streams start at 8 p.m. sharp on April 4, 7, and 10.

Find more info, behind-the-scenes content with the show cast and crew, and much more at the website, https://liveherenow.show/, and on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Source: News release

Public Meetings March 18 - 25

Staff Photo

City of Menomonie

Wed Mar 18 Urban Forestry Meeting, 1pm AGENDA 

Wed Mar 18 Airport Commission, 6pm PACKET 

Mon Mar 23 City Council Meeting, 7pm, Council Chambers

Click HERE for full calendar.

School District of Menomonie

Spring Break March 16-20

Mon Apr 13 School Board Meeting, 5:45pm, ASC

Click HERE for full calendar additional details

Dunn County

Wed Mar 18 Board of Supervisors, 7:00pm, Gov’t Center, Rm 54  PACKET

Fri Mar 20 Traffic Safety & Emergency Medical Services Committee, 9am

Wed Mar 25 Facilities Committee, 5pm

Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting

Menomonie Events Week at a Glance

Photo: Debra Bell

Wed Mar 18 Library Book Sale, 9am-6pm, Public Library Thru Mar 20 during regular hours; Walk & Talk Book Club, 5:30, Public Library; Sea Shanty Singalong, 7-8:30pm, Brewery Nonic

Thur Mar 19 Spring Break Week for Kids-Crafts, 1pm, Public Library; Mayor Candidate Forum, 5-6:30pm, Holtby Hall, Rassbach Museum

Fri Mar 20 Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, 4:30 - 7pm, St Joseph Church

Sat Mar 21 Indoor Farmers Market, 9am-Noon, Raw Deal; Art Music Society Music in March Recital, 2pm, Our Savior’s Lutheran; YMCA Parents Night Out (Free), 4-7pm, Alliance Church

Mon Mar 23 Free Community Yoga, 9am via zoom, Public Library; Menomonie in Motion, 5:30pm, Public Library

Tue Mar 24 Environmental Series, The City for Trees, 6pm, Dragon Tale Books

Wed Mar 25 Menomonie in Motion, 5:30pm, Public Library

MHS Extracurricular Activities

Compiled from MHS Daily Announcements

Compiled by MNN Staff

Wednesday, March 11

Exciting news to report from the State Conservation Awareness Poster Contest held March 4-6, in Wisconsin Dells. Environmental Biology student Brynn Smiskey received 3rd place in her division.

This Saturday several MHS Band students participated in District Solo and Ensemble Contest at Memorial High School. Congratulations to the following students who had stellar performances and advanced to state. Weston Wiersgalla with his bassoon solo, Harrison Davis with his clarinet solo and Treyson Falkner with his trombone solo. *

Congratulations to the following Agriscience students who competed in the CVTC Ag Skills Contest on March 3rd. 4th Place Ag Mech Contest - Aiden Christianson; 1st Place Floriculture Contest - Fiona Georgakapoulos; 2nd Place Floriculture Contest - Ella Weinberger; 2nd Place Dairy Team - Allison Bartlett, Valeska Escalona, Vivian Lorensen and Chloe Scheuffele; 2nd Place Dairy Team - Cayden Tiffany, Reagan Singerhouse, Daisy Plett, and Layla Soviak.

Thursday, March 12

Menomonie Mustangs Boys Basketball Team got it done last night defeating New Richmond 83-77 and advanced to the Sectional Final tomorrow with the winner advancing to State! Leading the way for the Mustangs was Tyler Nelson scoring 20 points and Jake Rue 17 points. The Mustangs will be playing West Salem at Arcadia High School.

All-BRC Boys Basketball

Three Mustangs Selected All-Conference

By Layne Pitt, MNN Contributor

MENOMONIE - Three Menomonie High School student-athletes were named to the 2025-26 All-Big Rivers Conference Boys Basketball Team.

Junior Trevor Robert was named to the first team, senior Jacob Rue was named to the second team and senior Tyler Nelson was an honorable mention pick.

Robert's name is all over the Big Rivers Conference statistics, posted on GoBound.com before the sectional games, appearing in the top five of 10 different statistical categories. The 6-foot, 8-inch, junior averaged 18.2 points and scored 474 points to rank fourth. He was the top rebounder in the BRC, pulling down 8.7 boards per contest and 226 total. Robert was first in blocked shots with 40, and was sent to the free throw line a conference-best 145, making 63.

Robert shot at a 58.5 percent clip from the floor, making 193 of 330 field goals. He was fourth-best in the league in assists with 77 (3.0 apg) and fifth in steals with 39.

Rue, a 5-10 senior, averaged 12.5 points per game, along with 2.9 rebounds per contest, and was the Mustangs' 3-point leader, going 82 of 215, ranking third in 3-pointers attempted and third in 3-pointers made. Rue ranked fifth in free throw percentage at 88.2 percent.

Nelson, a 5-11 senior, averaged 9.4 points per game, 4.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists. He shot 44.3 percent from the field and 79.4 percent from the free throw line.

The trio keyed the Mustangs deepest trip into the WIAA Boys Basketball Tournament in 20 years. The 2025-26 team captured a regional title for the first time since 2006 and advanced into sectional play by downing Merrill, 56-34, and Rhinelander, 65-51. The Mustangs defeated New Richmond, 83-77, in the sectional opener, March 12, but couldn’t hold off West Salem in the sectional finals, 61-54, March 14 in Arcadia, coming up one game short of the state championship rounds.

As a team, Menomonie finished the season at 19-9 overall, 9-5 in the BRC, good for third. Menomonie averaged 62.6 points per game and gave up 56.0, to finish with a plus-6.6 points, good for second in the league.

The Menomonie boys basketball team won the 2006 sectional tournament, advancing to the state finals in Madison. The Mustangs faced Hartland Arrowhead in the opening game in Madison, but came up short, 70-52, despite 27 points from Cole Kraft and 10 points from Trevin Bune. To get to Madison, Menomonie defeated three straight Big Rivers Conference schools, downing Chippewa Falls, 57-37, and River Falls, 42-41, for the regional crown, then knocked off Eau Claire Memorial, 57-47, in the sectional opener, before edging Wausau East, 47-46, for the sectional crown.

Before becoming the longest-serving sports information director at UW-Stout, Layne Pitt worked with the Dunn County News for 11 years, during the 1980s and early 1990s. 

The story "All-Boys BRC Basketball Team" by Layne Pitt is licensed under a CC BY SA 4.0 International license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

Menomonie Collegians

Feddersen, Mommsen Participate in the NCAA Big Dance

By Layne Pitt, MNN Contributor

Menomonie High School graduates Noah Feddersen and Emma Mommsen are dancing with their collegiate basketball teams during March Madness.

Feddersen and the North Dakota State University Bisons (27-7, 14-2 Summit League) advanced to the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship for the first time since the 2019-20 season after winning both the Summit League regular season championship and the Summit League Tournament championship.  The Bisons were awarded the 14th seed and will play Michigan State University, which received the third seed in the bracket, in their first game, Thursday, March 19 at at approximately 3:05 p.m. CT, in Buffalo, N.Y., at KeyBank Center. The game will be broadcast on TNT. If North Dakota could pull off the huge upset over the 11th-ranked Spartans, they would face the winner of the Louisville/South Florida contest, Saturday, March 21. Since 1985, there have been 23 previous games where the 14th seed defeated the third seed. This is NDSU's sixth NCAA Tournament bid since 2009, and the Bison will be looking for their third victory in March Madness.

Mommsen and the Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears (26-7, 17-5 NSIC) advanced to the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship for the second consecutive year after finishing second in the North Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) and going on to win the NSIC Tournament title to secure the automatic qualifying bid for the second year. Along the way, the Bears twice knocked off top-ranked Minnesota State, Mankato - once to close out the regular season, Feb. 21, and again in the tournament championship game, March 3.

C-SP entered the NCAA Division II tournament ranked 22nd and faced Northwestern Oklahoma in the opening round, March 13, Mankato, Minn., and prevailed in a tightly contested defensive battle to grab their first NCAA Regional win in 11 years, with a 52-45 decision in the low-scoring affair.

Mommsen led the way for the Golden Bears in another low scoring contest in the second game of the regional with 15 points on an efficient 7-of-10 from the floor while grabbing nine rebounds and coming up with one block on defense, as Concordia took a 59-53 win over No. 14-ranked Fort Hays State. But the Bears historic season came to an end Monday night when Concordia lost, 94-87, to conference opponent University of Minnesota-Duluth in double overtime in the NCAA regional championship game.

Mommsen started all 33 games this season, averaging a career-best 6.7 points per game and pulled down 5.3 rebounds.

Leading up to the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball tournament, Feddersen closed off the season on a tear, scoring in double figures in 12 consecutive games, starting January 22, while coming off the bench. During that run, Feddersen saw his scoring average jump from 7.0 points per game to 9.4 points per game to close out the regular season. His double figure streak ended in the Summit League championship game when he was held to eight points. But Feddersen drilled a victory-clinching 3-pointer from the top of the key with 51 seconds left to help seal the 70-62 win over the University of North Dakota.

Coming into this season, Feddersen had started 53 games for the Bison, then started the first 16 games of the 2025-26 season. Feddersen moved out of the starting line-up on Dec. 31, and started to come off the bench in January. It took a couple of games for Feddersen to adjust, but adjust he did, going on to win the Summit League Sixth Man of the Year Award. Feddersen shot 65 percent in league play and 44 percent from three-point range, averaging 10.9 points off the bench. The Bisons have a knack for acquiring Sixth Man Awards. Feddersen became the second straight (Tajavis Miller) and sixth NDSU player overall to earn Sixth Man of the Year honors.

Menomonie Collegians is a regular feature of Menomonie News Net. The column is not limited to student-athletes, but may be a former Menomonie area student in a play, forensics, music or any type of collegiate competition. If you know of a Menomonie Collegian, please email [email protected].

The column “Menomonie Collegians” by Layne Pitt is licensed under a CC BY SA 4.0 International license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

For a Calendar of Events in the Menomonie Area, visit Kathy Weber’s Menomonie Minute.

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